After backing off a proposed sales tax hike, it looks like Gov. Dayton will now rely on an income tax increase on top earners to erase a projected deficit and boost education funding. Details of his revised budget plan are expected Wednesday.”

“Advocates on both sides will focus much of their attention on newly elected Democrats from rural Minnesota whose constituents largely favored last fall’s failed constitutional amendment to make marriage only between men and women.”

“Thousands of taxpayers who use TurboTax and other Intuit software can once again file their state returns with the state’s blessing. Revenue Department officials are cautiously optimistic the company has resolved chronic software errors.”

“Environmental groups are concerned about triclosan and its byproducts, which include a dioxin, building up in the environment and causing potential health problems. Industry groups argue triclosan is safe and shouldn’t be banned.”

Surcharges to boost pension plans gets a second look (Pioneer Press)

“A group of lawmakers will take a second look at a controversial bill to impose a $5 surcharge on homeowners and vehicle insurance policies, raising about $23 million annually for police and fire pensions.”

“The bill would make the state Human Services Department primary regulator for the clinics by bringing state regulations in line with federal standards. Methadone is used as a pain killer and to treat addictions for opiate drugs like heroin.”

“The bill would require the state to offer more cost-effective treatment alternatives rather than housing all civilly committed sex offenders at the state’s high-security treatment center in Moose Lake.”

“Freshman Democrat Rep. Joe Radinovich introduced a bill Monday that would ease Health Department regulations on chili and soup cook-offs. Radinovich said his push to preserve chili cook-offs in his district is common-sense legislation.”

Several members of the Minnesota House are criticizing Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen, R-Glencoe, for introducing a friend on the House floor by saying that that he said “exited the gay lifestyle.”

Gruenhagen Monday used what’s called in the House vernacular “a point of personal privilege” to introduce Kevin Petersen, who is a member of the Pro-Marriage Amendment Forum that worked to pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

“The interesting thing about Kevin is he was active in the gay lifestyle for about ten years and then he left it, got married and now has three children,” Gruenhagen said.

While some members clapped, a bipartisan group of lawmakers groaned when Gruenhagen made his comments. The announcement prompted DFL House Speaker Paul Thissen to ban the practice of allowing members to publicly introduce guests who visit the chambers.

Gruenhagen made news a few weeks ago when he said during a news conference that homosexuality is “an unhealthy, sexual addiction” and argued that there is “no gay gene.”– Tom Scheck